Waldorf Quantum MK2 16-Voice Hybrid Polysynth Overview
The Waldorf Quantum MK2 16-voice hybrid polysynth is an upgraded version of the renowned synth designer’s flagship instrument. Boasting enhanced expressive control, greater sound design potential and an improved user experience, the Quantum MK2 is more than a worthy successor to the acclaimed hybrid synthesizer.
The original Waldorf Quantum made waves amongst producers, composers, sound designers and synth fanatics alike upon its release. Building upon a legacy of some of the finest synths ever created, the Quantum combines a host of synthesis options, rich analogue filters, a vast array of modulation options, studio-grade effects, multitimbrality and more within one extremely powerful hybrid synthesizer. There’s no doubt that the Quantum MKI raised the bar for what can be expected from a flagship synth.
With the Quantum MK2, Waldorf have taken a truly exceptional synth and made it even better.
Poly Aftertouch Keyboard
The Quantum MK2 features a significantly upgraded keybed - the Fatar TP8/SK. This premium 61-key polyphonic aftertouch keybed feels superb to play and allows you to apply modulation on a per-note basis, presenting a new realm of expressive capabilities that weren’t possible on the MKI. The Quantum MK2’s poly aftertouch capabilities are easily assigned and customised via the high-resolution graphical display.
As well as the built-in polyphonic aftertouch keyboard, the Quantum MK2 can be controlled with any MPE-capable controller. Simply connect your MPE controller to the USB host port or MIDI In and explore new realms of expression with the Quantum MK2’s expansive synth engine.
Double the Voices
The MK2 version of the Waldorf Quantum features twice the voices, with up to 16 voices of polyphony at your disposal. These voices can be used with any combination of the 8 analogue dual-filters and digital multi-mode filters for ultimate sonic flexibility. Plus, a new set of allocation modes for total and effortless control over your sound design.
Expanded Sample Storage
Waldorf have significantly upgraded the internal sampling storage compared to the MKI, with up to 59GB available to store custom samples. This allows you to choose from a much more extensive selection of samples when using the multi-sample engine and cutting-edge polyphonic granular sampling engine.
Sleek Design
With its impressive array of hands-on controls, high-resolution touch display and sleek, elegant design, creating unique patches on the Quantum MK2 is a seamless, tactile and intuitive experience. The MK2’s screen features improved mounting, providing you with a wider range of viewing angles whilst interacting with the synth.
Inspiring Presets & Samples
Waldorf collaborated with world-class sound designers such as Matt Johnson, Richard Devine, Howard Scarr and Kurt Ader to create the massive library of factory presets and 2GB of initial sample content that comes with the Quantum MK2. All of these sounds as well as your custom presets are also compatible with Waldorf’s Iridium keyboard and Iridium module - and vice versa.
- Hybrid Digital/Analoger polyphoner Synthesizer
- High-quality Fatar TP/8SK keyboard with 61 semi-weighted keys and polyphonic aftertouch
- 8 analog or up to 16 digital voices
- Dual timbral: split or layered mode with separate stereo outputs
- 3 stereo digital oscillators with five synthesis forms each
- Wavetable: Waldorf style with the latest Nave technology including speech synthesis and generation of wavetables from external audio sources
- Waveform: Waveform with up to 8 simultaneous waveforms per oscillator in detuned or chordal mode with hard sync, warp, PWM and tunable noise
- Particle: Granular sampler with multi-sampling and traditional sampling mode
- Resonator: Exciter with multi-sampling and filter bank modelling
- New kernel synthesis with up to six kernel operators per oscillator for phase FM, true FM and wavetable position modulation
- Two analog low-pass filters per voice - both 24 or 12 dB switchable with innovative link mode, or alternatively 2 digital multimode filters
- Digital Shaper: Additional digital algorithms per voice such as comb filters, high, low & bandpass and notch filters (Nave, Largo or PPG models), bit crusher, drive and more
- Flexible routing system for arranging the filter, digital shaper and oscillator routings
- 6 LFOs in poly and global mode with extensive setting options
- 6 loopbare Envelopes
- Komplex: Multistage LFO/Envelope-Modulator
- Extensive modulation matrix with up to 40 entries and easy controller assignment
- Intuitive modulation assignment via controls and control LEDs
- Master effects with 5 slots each for both timbres with effects like phaser, flanger, chorus, reverb, drive, EQ and more
- Compressor for the main output
- Arpeggiator - 7 different algorithms, different rhythmic patterns
- Step sequencer with step recorder, transpose function, parameter automation and scale-based pitch quantization
- Microtonal configurable with the possibility to import scale scl files
- Polyphonic aftertouch - send and receive
- MPE capable - with external control via USB and DIN MIDI
- Chord and sustain functions
- Unison Modes
- Module based preset system for effects, oscillators, step sequencer and complex modulator
- Numerous potentiometers and encoders for intuitive sound processing
- Visual sound processing via the high-resolution multi-touch display
- Spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope switchable in different areas of the signal flow
- Up to 10000 sound programs that can be filtered by banks, attributes, sound designer and patch number
- Favorites list for quick access to frequently used sounds, such as for a setlist
- more than 1000 factory presets from well-known sound designers
- MIDI outputs for keyboard and panel controls (assignable as MIDI CC)
- Automation of the sound parameters via the MIDI inputs using the MIDI CC learning function
- Recording samples via the audio inputs or the Quantum audio output
- 4 GB*) internal flash memory for presets and wavetables, 59GB for samples
- More than 2GB of preinstalled audio samples
- Built-in audio editor
- Export and import of presets, samples and wavetables via SD card or USB drive
- Import of Nave Presets and selected legacy FM as a sysex file
- 2 x stereo audio outputs can be used separately for both timbres
- Stereo audio input for sample recording and real-time processing with effects
- High quality 24bit A/D and D/A converter
- Headphone output with dedicated volume control
- Connection for sustain pedal
- Control pedal connector that can also be used as a CV input (0-5V sensitivity).
- USB host connection type A eg for MIDI controller or USB drive for loading and saving samples, presets and for software updates
- USB device type B connector for connection to a computer or other MIDI USB hosts such as iOS devices **)
- SD card for sample/preset exchange and software updates
- DIN MIDI In, Out und Thru
- Built-in power supply
- Weight: 17.8kg
- Dimensions: 1006 x 401 x 131 mm
- *) Physical size of the flash memory for the complete system, including the preloaded data and the operating system.
- Usable storage space for audio samples is 59GB (incl. the pre-installed samples)
- **) A separate Apple 'Lightning to USB Camera Adapter' is required
